Wachusett Mountain council bids farewell to Sullivan

PRINCETON — The Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council said goodbye to Chairman Tom Sullivan during their regular meeting at the John Hitchcock Visitor Center on Mountain Road in late April

Halfway through the meeting, which consisted of discussion in regard to mountain operation and its needs, Mr. Sullivan asked the council to nominate new leadership, allowing vice chairman Chris Williams to take over the proceedings. The council nominated Bill Eicholzer, who — pending approval — will become the new chairman.

"It's been fun," said Mr. Sullivan, "but it's time for some new leadership and some new ideas."

Mr. Sullivan had been a part of the advisory council for 31 years, serving in several positions before spending the last 12 as chairman.

Since he began his work overseeing the well-being of the mountain back in 1983, Mr. Sullivan has seen the council's responsibilities change with the needs of the area.

"We went from a sort of caretaker staff to a more ecosystem staff, managing resources," he said.

Once the meeting was complete, council member Deborah Cary, who is also the director of Central Sanctuaries for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, presented Mr. Sullivan with a framed photograph of the Wachusett Summit. The picture was taken by photographer Bruce Dean with the help of the Princeton Arts Society, and it held a plaque inscribed: Presented to Thomas E. Sullivan for his many years of service and leadership on behalf of the Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council April 30, 2014.

"We wanted to honor you for all of your service," said Ms. Cary.

The photo of the summit features the new mountain fire tower, the building of which — as well as the summit's recent overhaul — was a project overseen by Mr. Sullivan.

While he may no longer be a member of the advisory council, Mr. Sullivan will always hold the mountain near and dear to his heart.

"I'll continue to have an interest as long as I live around here, as long as I'm alive," he said. "Which I plan to do for quite some time."

When asked what his plans were now that he would no longer have the responsibility of a council chairman, Mr. Sullivan joked, "I'm going to be a heckler."

"I think we've been true to our mission," he added. "It's a great mountain, and it's a great park. You have people coming from 50 to 100 miles away — this mountain is important."